Buckhurst Hill couple get Diamond anniversary letter from Queen

The Loughton and Buckhurst Hill native couple celebrated their diamond anniversary on March 4, marking 60 years since they tied the knot.

After meeting through a shared group of friends, the couple began courting when Mr Anderson was 17 and Mrs Anderson was 16.

They married two years later St John’s Church in Buckhurst Hill.

James "Jim" and Jane on their wedding day 60 years ago.

When asked their secret to such a long-lasting marriage, retired milkman and pastry chef Mr Anderson quipped: “Luck”.

Mrs Anderson suggested that perhaps the answer lay with their large family.

The mother-of-seven said: “I think that keeps you together, you know, our children”.

Mrs Anderson worked as a welder, before deciding to devote her time to the couple’s seven boys, two of whom were adopted.

The happy pair celebrated their Diamond Anniversary on March 4.

Despite the challenges that come with raising seven young lads, all only two years apart in age, Mrs Anderson cherished this time she spent with them.

She said: “It was really nice being at home with them. It's lucky really, we didn't want a lot so [I could stay at home and not work]”.

“Luckily the boys all got on so, you know, it was lovely”.

The couple's framed letter of congratulations from the Queen.

Although celebrations in lockdown can feel lacklustre, the one regret that Mr and Mrs Anderson had was being unable to celebrate with their family around them.

Mrs Anderson said: “We just would have wanted to have the family round.

“We haven't seen that much of them, because we can't, so we miss that”.

The couple, as well as their seven boys, are proud grandparents to 11 children and great grandparents to three.

Congratulations Jim and Jean!

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